John l



(ModeL) J. L. THOMSON.

- IRON FENCE, No. 265,719.

Patented Oct. 10 1882.

iJvI EJ OR UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN L. THOMSON, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR To EUGENE T. EAENUM, on SAME PLACE.

IRON FENCE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 265,719, dated October 10, 1882.

Application filed July 29, 1882. (ModeL) To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, JOHN L. THoMsoN, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Iron Fences; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention has relation to certain improvements in iron fences; and its object is to provide simple and secure means for securing the posts and rails orstringers together.

My invention therefore consists of a metallic washer formed with an opening one section of which corresponds with the cross-section of the post or picket, with parallel elongated space of less diameter corresponding to the dimensions of the cross-section of the post or picket between the notches and terminating in an angle fitting the angle of the post or picket.

My invention further consists in the novel organization and combination of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully set 'forth and specifically claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figure l is a side view of the post or picket, showing the stringer in section. Fig. 2 is a perspective of the upper portion of the fence post or picket, showing the side notches. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the washer with the elongated opening, and Fig. 4 is-a view of the upper washer with bolts or rivets.

The letter A is the po t or picket, having cut in its corners or angles the notches a wherever it is intended the rails or stringers shall rest.

The letter B is the stringer, having holes fitting the post or picket, and made at crosssection therewith, and provided with the central perforations, b, for receiving the bolts or rivets of the upper; washer.

The letter O is the upper washer, formed to fit over the post or picket, and having downward-extendin g rivets or bolts registering with the perforation in the rail or stringer.

The letter D represents my improved metal washer, formed with an opening, one section, 0, of which corresponds with the cross-section of the post or picket, from the broken sides of which extend the parallel portions 01, inclosing a space of less diameter than the section a and corresponding to the measurement of the cross-section of the post or picket between the notches, and thence terminating in an angle fitting the size of the post or picket between the floors of the notches and the corner. This washer is also formed with the perforated extensions, the holes of which register with those in the stringer and receive the bolts of the upper washer.

To unite the parts the metal washer is slipped over the post or picket until it reaches the notches in the corners thereof, when it is moved lengthwise as far as can be, bringing the parallel sides within the notches of the post or picket, and thus forming a bearing for the stringer. The stringer can now be placed over the post or picket, and when at its bearing on the washer the upper washer is slipped in place with its bolts passing through the stringer and the under washer, and then the nuts are applied to the bolts and the parts are securely fastened together. In the drawings the upper washer, G,is provided with rivets, which is preferable.

It will be readily observed that by the construction of the metallic washer in the form described, and secured as stated, that I obtain a substantial base and bearing for the rail without twisting the parts, and which can be readily applied, and also,if occasion requires, it can be conveniently removed, and at the same time I obtain a means of, fastening the parts together which is substantial, secure, and permanent.

What I claim as my invention, and dc sire to secure by Letters Patent, is j 1. A metallic washer formed with an elongated opening one section of which corresponds with the cross-section of the post or picket, with parallel sides extending from the sides thereof, inclosing a space of less diameter and terminating in an angle fitting the sides of the post or picket, and adapted to slide in notches in the corners of the post or In testimcny whereof I affix mysignature in picket, substantially as described. presence of two witnesses.

2. In an iron fence the combination of the metallic washer D, farmed withia n opening of JOHN THOMSON 5 the character as described, the notched picket Witnesses:

A, stringer B, and washer O, the whole united JNO. B. GORLISS, and secured substantially as described. FRANK D. ANDRUS. 

